Vanuku

National news threads that host the key national news outlets for each of the game’s countries.

Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Thu Jul 26, 2018 10:01 am

Trigunian Foreign Minister to Visit Vanuku
Two Nations Keen to Cement Ties and Look At Mutual Security Co-operation

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Journalists attending the Prefect's press conference were keen to ask questions about the Trigunian Foreign minister's forthcoming visit to Vanuku.

August 4429 - "The Lion of Vanuku and the White Bear of Trigunia will roar in harmony!" Those are the bold and enthusiastic words of Prefect Duke Noh Zhtál as he announced that the Foreign Minister of Trigunia would be travelling to the Kingdom later in the year to cement economic and security ties between the two countries.

Both Vanuku and Trigunia are fierce advocates for strong military defence forces and are known to be critical of the Northern Council's expansion, leading to some commentators speculating that a formal alliance will be secured. If forged it will create a strategic northern-southern hemisphere link-up which will provide both countries with extensive projection around Terra.

Foreign Minister Voronin Potap will head the Trigunian delegation travelling to Wiel in December, when he will meet with Prefect Zhtál and Foreign Minister Countess Wrntumai Kez'i. Scheduled topics for the discussions include the Terran security situation, the Dovani War, the Majatran financial crisis and opportunities for joint military exercises and trade opportunities.

Prefect Zhtál said: "Trigunia's recent moves to upgrade its military, particularly its carrier fleets, demonstrates what a powerful strategic partner that nation could be for us and, of course, vice versa. On top of that, despite the geographic distance, were are certainly aligned on a many issues and we will be discussing ways to move forward in all these areas to our mutual benefit."


Naval and Airforce Update

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DFN has secured a commission to develop the new fortress busting missile which will feature on the new-generation "VX-44" aircraft.

Meanwhile, Prefect Zhtál continued to press home Vanuku's military credentials by announcing a five-year-project to upgrade the Anti-Aircraft Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare systems on frontline escort ships was nearing completion.

The upgrade - including new missile tracking and guidance sensor arrays and a general overhaul of command, control and weapons systems - has been carried out on the navy's Telmak-Class Guided-Missile Cruisers, Wiel-Class Destroyers and array of first and second class frigates. The upgrade being carried out by Shipyard Havendam in partnership with tech giants Vanutech, will be finished by January 4430. The ships play a vital role in escorting and screening Vanuku's Támnr-class aircraft carriers that spearhead the four naval battle groups of the navy

The Prefect also said that progress on Vanuku's next-generation multi-role fighter – known as the VX-44 - was "seriously back on track" after being sidelined during the Jelbanian conflict. The estimated 3 trillion VAN project is being modified to include the specialised "fortress-buster" missiles that have recently been commissioned following the implementation of the new Doorknocker Doctrine developed by the King Temrkai Think-Tank committee.

Armaments specialist DFN have been commissioned to manufacture the missiles - providing another timely boost for the economy at a time when the Majatran Financial Crisis continues to plague the continent.
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Thu Jul 26, 2018 3:06 pm

Nuclear Strike Trial Bombshell: "Kazulia To Blame" says former Prefect
Defendant Brno Zhtál Claims Northern Power Secretly Propped Up Deltarian Military Throughout Conflict.

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Former Prefect Zhtál arrives at the Supreme Court in Wiel for trial - charged with crimes against humanity.

September 4429 - Disgraced former Prefect Brno Zhtál has taken the stand in the Nuclear Strike Court Case and sensationally blamed Kazulia for the decisions that he was forced to make. Ten years after the infamous atomic missile attack on Deltarian troops during the Jelbanian crisis, Brno along with four former senior generals and six government officials, are finally standing trial, charged with crimes against humanity.

As a defendant, he had the option to decline taking to the stand, but chose to waive that legal prerogative so he could be heard around Terra. Asked about the decision-making process to approve the nuclear strike Zhtál - who looked dishevelled and tired - said he had no choice.

Asked to clarify for the jury why he had no alternative by presiding judge Lord Justice Sagzi Merlékam, Zhtál made his astonishing claim.

He said: "For 10 years we had been fighting Deltaria and its Katonid Khanate ally in Jelbania, the conflict had reached stalemate and every advance was claiming the lives of tens of thousands of troops.

"The Deltarians were proving to be much more resolute in defence and were using weaponry and tactics that seemed beyond their capability as a regional power, according to our intelligence; further, their bullish approach to diplomacy reinforced this.

"As I became Prefect I was presented with intelligence suggesting that the Deltarian position had been seriously bolstered, economically and militarily by Kazulia and that they were now secretly assisting them during the conflict while appearing to be neutral to the international community.

"Given that situation, and with the backing of a great power, Deltaria had the technological and militaristic capability to match us."

Asked why Kazulia would get involved in the war in this way, Brno added: "It was to their advantage to see fragmentation and conflict on the Majatran conflict where two potentially opposing great powers are based. It was a risky gambit but their historic links with Deltaria [Kazulia had a military base in the country] made it easier and the benefits for them and the organisation they dominate - the Northern Council - far outweighed these risks.

"So we... or, more precisely, I was left with a desperate choice - a prolonged war, which my generals were telling me would last for many years and would claim the lives of at least 250,000 Vanukean soldiers or a precise nuclear strike. I felt I had been dealt a fait accompli so I approved the tactical nuclear strike but seriously expected King Juhn to veto that decision and give me a political out. To my astonishment he did not and it was too late."

Asked if he had committed a crime against humanity Brno added: "No. Ultimately, despite the diplomatic condemnation and the sanctions the nuclear strike was effective. It prevented the deaths of many tens of thousands of more soldiers - it forced nations to the negotiating table, it led to the reunification of Jelbania and the dissolution of the Katonid Khanate. Those were our objectives and they have been achieved. While a nuclear strike will always be condemned in this case it had the desired effect.

"That said, this terrible conflict would have been over many years before if not for the interference of Kazulia. So I lay the blame at that country's door. They should be held to account as much as I."

Asked why Vanuku had not taken the decision to use nuclear weapons earlier in the conflict given the stalemate situation, the defendant added: "You will have to ask Nasir [former Prefect Jlekai Nasir] why that was. He was faced with the same options as I. Perhaps he had not received the intelligence on Kazulia; perhaps he thought our superiority would still count in conventional war. I inherited a situation where I knew straight away that was not possible."

Finally, Brno was asked who had provided the report on Kazulian involvement. He added vaguely: "It was presented to me along with a whole host of reports when I first came to office. It was a security services report based on latest intelligence. There were counter reports suggesting the intelligence regarding Kazulia was falsely placed and was phoney, but the argument for their involvement was far more compelling."

Whether Brno's testimony regarding Kazulia can be seen as credible or not, it feeds into the extensive rumour mill surrounding Kazulgate. Many Vanukean politicians have openly stated that they believe that Kazulia - or indeed the Northern Council - had played a more significant role in the Jelbanian Conflict on the side of Deltaria who continually "punched above their weight" during the military campaign. However, the Vanukean government has been careful to never openly voiced such an opinion.

The trial continues...
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Maxington » Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:36 pm

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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Fri Jul 27, 2018 10:36 am

Could Angry Kazulian PM Blast Prejudice Zhtál Trial?
Vanukean Government Advises All Interested Parties To Be Restrained As Kazulgate Fever Strikes

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Former lawyer Qu'zk Rejmrsk Grnskl who believes comments made about Zhtál's state of mind may affect the trial.

October 4429 - The Vanukean Government has confirmed that it will not be commenting at this time on Brno Zhtal's claims that Kazulia was heavily involved in the Jelbanian conflict as it may prejudice ongoing court proceedings. Former Prefect Zhtál stated in evidence that Kazulia had propped up Deltaria's war effort in a bid to cause further fragmentation on the Majatran continent.

A statement issued by the office of the current Prefect Duke Noh Zhtál said: "The government of Vanuku is mindful of the current court case into the nuclear strike in Jelbania and that Brno Zhtal is one of the defendants in that trial. We will therefore not be commenting about his claims given under oath in regards to Kazulian involvement in Jelbania or any other matter as this may prejudice the trial. We ask all interested parties to also remain restrained and allow the judicial process to run its course.

"The Government will be making a statement at the appropriate time - when the courts proceedings are completed."

The statement is seen as thinly veiled advice to the Kazulian government that reacted angrily to Brno's evidence claiming he was "clearly demented" and a "known war criminal".

Those observations, made by Kazulian Prime Minister Markus Hanevold, were seized upon by Vanukean journalists and eagerly reported in this morning's tabloid papers under the headline "Loony" Brno Backs Kazulgate Conspiracy

Former high court barrister Qu'zk Rejmrsk Grnskl said: "This has played right into the hands of Brno's legal team - it is one thing to dispute the claims but for a senior politician to go on the personal attack like this is another matter. The Vanukean legal system is based on innocent until proven guilty, Brno has now been labelled a war criminal and his mental state has been brought into question and all that is now on the front pages of our papers mid-trial.

"These are certainly factors that can prejudice a jury and could already be grounds for appeal or a reduced statement based on mental condition if he is found guilty. A mis-trial is a slim possibility but if it continues...

"If I was the Kazulian PM's legal team I would be advising him to keep a lid on it until the appropriate time."
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Fri Jul 27, 2018 1:45 pm

Vanuku May Be Forced To Step Up Security In Jelbek Confederation Over House Spencer Party Comments
Ambassador Says Safety of Its Citizens Is Absolute Priority And Threats Against Them Treated Very Seriously

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Ambassador Shlajma Brbrádrsme Temr said she had Spoken to President Mrthotrjrzajad about the threats.

March 4430 - A senior diplomat has responded to comments made by the Jelbanian Opposition Party House Spencer which robustly encourage Vanuku and Deltaria to "leave Jelbania".

Both countries have economic and political influence over large areas of the Jelbek Confederation as a result of the Rklemjistad Summit agreement and have legal rights to intervene militarily in these zones if their security is threatened.

However, this has not prevented the Luthorian-speaking niche party House Spencer from ordering Vanuku and Deltaria to "fuck off out of our country". They have also threatened to requisition all assets of the two nations and round up all Vanukean and Deltarian citizens to work down the mines - if they come to power.

Vanukean Ambassador to Jelbania, Shlajma Brbrádrsme Temr, said: " We have an excellent working relationship with the Jelbek Confederation's Government and have clearly defined economic and political influence over the Jelbek Khaganate areas in the north of their country. Any attempts to change this agreement would require negotiation with the Vanukean government.

"Clearly the statement made by the House of Spencer is hypothetical as they are currently in opposition; however, it is potentially incendiary given an election is due this summer. We would warn that the rights of Vanukean citizens overseas remains paramount and the upmost priority of our Foreign Ministry. Any attempt by a foreign power to illegally incarcerate, harm or enslave our citizens would be met with the severest of repercussions. So this is a security situation we will be watching very closely.

"I have spoken to President Mrthotrjrzajad about the comments and he is aware that we may be required to involve security forces to protect our citizens if the situation exacerbates."
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby CCP » Fri Jul 27, 2018 1:47 pm

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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Fri Jul 27, 2018 4:17 pm

Economic Growth At A Twenty-Year Low
But Measures Put In Place By Government Will Protect Country From Recession, Says Finance Minister

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Marijuana and other recreational drugs could soon be available through government-run shops as part of a series of measures to stimulate the economy.

March 4430 - Economic growth in Vanuku is expected to slow to a 20 year low of around 1.5 per cent by the late spring as the Majatran Financial Crisis continues to take its toll.

Despite the best efforts of the government in conjunction with financial institutions, a downturn was almost inevitable. Several major banks have reported losses and have temporarily suspended issuing premiums to shareholders, while companies with Istalian investments attached have faired very badly too. Wiel Stock Market trading has proven to be erratic, with trading in other Majatran currencies and bonds the worst affected.

However, regulations put in place by the government after the Black Thursday event have stopped a more extreme reaction and also helped to keep the VAN in a healthier place. A series of economic stimulation laws are also being introduced including the potentially controversial decision to remove the ban on the sale of recreational drugs and allow retail of these substances to be regulated by the government through its own stores.

Finance Minister Dr Ershébef Juhnsme Trmékez said: "While we have seen a fall in economic growth we believe this has now bottomed out and that the measures put in place by Vanuku will ensure that recession will not occur. To the doom and gloom merchants I say remain pragmatically optimistic - our country is still experiencing growth, just not the levels we could attain several decades ago; however, this will be rectified.

"The Grand Council is also looking to pass a number of financial measures that will help to create jobs, give investors confidence and provide opportunities for banks to lend again with confidence.

"Our reserve remains high based particularly on trans-Terran military exports and our decision to invest some of this reserve in overseas currencies and stable commodities is also paying dividends and helping us to weather the worst effects of this storm. We have seen some nations such as Selucia and Zardugal take similar measures to protect their economies and, once again, I call on all Majatran nations to follow suit."
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Sat Jul 28, 2018 9:27 am

Large Vanukean Security Force Moves Into Northern Jelbania
Decision to Advance Troops Follows Election of Horace Spencer as President of Jelbek Confederation

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Vanukean infantry back on patrol in northern Jelbania.

July 4430 - Two divisions of Vanukean troops have moved into northern Jelbania to protects its citizens working there.

It follows pre-election threats made by new Jelbek Confederation President Horace Spencer to seize all Vanukean assets and put its citizens to work in mines. A similar threat was issued to Deltaria.

Vanuku has overseen a special political and economic zone covering the Jelbek Khaganate area of the country for the last seven years. It follows an agreement reached at the Rklemjistad Summit which granted a similar position to Deltaria in the south. Since then Vanuku has pumped millions into extensive infrastructure projects and mining operations in the north of the country to boost economic growth. Thouands of its citizens work there, which has amplified the threat made by the head of the House Spencer Party.

Prefect Duke Noh Míhaljsrmko Zhtál said: "We take the threats made by Horace Spencer very seriously. That is why as the election drew to a close I ordered two divisions of our troops to advance into northern Jelbania to secure our interests there and protect our citizens. We have also beefed up security at our embassy in the capital, Rklemjistad, and over the last few weeks have brought in many security staff to protect the ambassador and her team.

"We will not tolerate any harm befalling our people and we suggest if President Spencer has an issue with the current economic zones he sits down with ourselves and Deltaria and discusses the matter in an appropriate manner. All he is doing at the moment is attracting international condemnation."
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Mon Jul 30, 2018 9:42 am

Death Sentence For Zhtál Over Nuclear Strike
Former Prefect and Co-Defendants Found Guilty of Multiple Crimes Against Humanity

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A pensive-looking Brno Zhtál pictured just prior to being found guilty.

July 4431 - Former Prefect Brno Zhtál has been sentenced to death after he was found guilty of multiple crimes against humanity in relation to the infamous nuclear strike on Jelbanian soil.

Zhtál along with four former senior generals received the death penalty - while six ex-government officials were given life sentences for their contribution to crimes against humanity.

The disgraced aristocrat looked physically and emotionally devastated as first the verdict was read out and later that day the death sentence was announced.

Lord Justice Sagzi Merlékam, presiding, told the Supreme Court that Zhtál had shown a wanton disregard for life in his pursuit for ultimate victory. He said:"The use of nuclear warheads of any size or at any location is the most extreme of actions. 50,000 soldiers were killed instantly but the lives of those around the site of the bombing seemed not to be taken into account, many people of all ages died or have suffered debilitating and cruel conditions - others yet born will also suffer; the area around the site has been truly devastated and will take many lifetimes to recover.

"While the former Prefect and his senior generals sought ultimate victory and may well have achieved the military outcome they wanted is not for debate, what I must take into account is the implications for the many tens of thousands of people whose lives reached a dreadful end as a result of this action - or who live in constant agony now.

"It is for this reason I bestow the death sentence on these men, who were the architects of this wanton and unnecessary disregard for life. May god have mercy on their souls."

Lord Justice Merlékam earlier dismissed claims by the defence counsellor that Zhtál had a pyschiatric condition and this should be taken into account when sentencing.

The judge said: "The defendant is, in my opinion, and the opinion of many doctors who have examined him perfectly sane. The trait he is now presenting is, in fact, acute remorse - but it is too little, too late."

Following the sentence, a spokesperson for the government told reporters that the right decision had been reached.

He said: "The Government is confident that justice has been done and welcomes the jury's verdict. We continue to provide what support we can for the people affected by the nuclear strike in Jelbania and will never shirk that responsibility.

"We will also be launching a full review into comments made under oath by former Prefect Zhtál regarding large-scale covert foreign involvement in the war with Deltaria and ask the international community to co-operate fully with this investigation."
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Mon Jul 30, 2018 4:39 pm

Vanukean Troops To Remain in Jelbania
Prefect Zhtál Insists President Spencer Must Sit Down at the Negotiating Table And Give Reassurances on Security

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Vanukean armed forces mix with inhabitants of the Jelbek Khaganate as they carry out security patrols.

September 4431 - Vanuku has confirmed that a substantial military force remains in northern Jelbania while the government still awaits assurances over the security of its citizens, assets and operations there.

Two divisions of troops were deployed into the Jelbek Khaganate last summer just before Horace Spencer and his party claimed a landslide victory in the presidential and legislative elections. While in opposition he had made threats to nationalise Vanukean and Deltarian assets and force the two countries' citizens to work in mines if he came to power.

Prefect Duke Noh Zhtál commented on the situation as he arrived in Istalia for the Villareale Conference. He said: "I can confirm the situation remains the same. We have a large security force in the northern area of Jelbania over which we have been granted political and economic influence as part of the Rklemjistad Summit agreement. Deltaria have a similar agreement in the south of the country.

"If Horace Spencer wishes to change the terms of this agreement we ask him to meet with us so we can work out a way forward that is mutually beneficial. Our role in Jelbania is one of helping rebuild that country's economy. We do not expect to be issued with threats of the nature we received and will not simply walk away and leave the situation in disarray. We have strong concerns Jelbania will fall into deep recession if this happens.

"But most of all we will not leave until we are satisfied with the security of our people and interests in that country. It is therefore incumbent on Horace Spencer to meet with us and help to move this situation on."
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